Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Hi from South Africa

[ziyaadb]

Hi all

I was 1st introduced to a slider at a friends place saw him there was too cute. But the issue with sliders here is that they are an exotic species and are therefore illegal in South africa, BUT i do know someone who was telling me that during the raining season at a reserve that he works at they are wild and numerous so i am hoping to get 1 from him during nov - dec. As the S/O Loves them. Looking foward to lotsa help if/when i get him/her.

Btw i also have 4 aquariums with different Fresh water fish as well.

[DavidY]

Welcome from so far away!

[dawn9800]

Welcome, hope you can get your little tutle!

[SpotsMama]

Greetings and Welcome to the forum! You may be our first participant from South Africa. It's delightful to have youl.

Just curious. If RES are an exotic species in South Africa, are there any species similar to a RES that are native? Are any of those kept as pets?

[Safdar]

Welcome to the forum

[turboturtle8]

Welcome!!

[ziyaadb]

Thanks for the welcome all

Greetings and Welcome to the forum! You may be our first participant from South Africa. It's delightful to have youl.

Just curious. If RES are an exotic species in South Africa, are there any species similar to a RES that are native? Are any of those kept as pets?

I am sure that there are other species but according to my limited knowledge we have more tortoises (spelling) then turtles as i live on the reef and not coast. but i will look around and see.

[SpotsMama]

I was just thinking it might be best to get a native turtle who was raised in captivity or is the custody of a rescue organization rather than take an invasive species from the wild. Just a thought, if such a thing is possible.

[ziyaadb]

I have never ever seen any native turtles for sale erm what do u mean by:

or is the custody of a rescue organization rather than take an invasive species from the wild

I dont understand?

[DavidY]

I think she was referring to turtles that have been taken in by an animal shelter. These rescue organizations usually take in unwanted pets and try to find them new homes. There are many places that have turtles for adoption and it is preferable to adopt one of these than to take a wild turtle away from it's natural home to be confined in a relatively small aquarium for the rest of its life. Pet turtles are usually either born in captivity or have grown up that way and are not able to fend for themselves in the wild. Putting a wild turtle into captivity seems more cruel to most of us because they have grown up totally free and in vast surroundings.

[ziyaadb]

I think she was referring to turtles that have been taken in by an animal shelter. These rescue organizations usually take in unwanted pets and try to find them new homes. There are many places that have turtles for adoption and it is preferable to adopt one of these than to take a wild turtle away from it's natural home to be confined in a relatively small aquarium for the rest of its life. Pet turtles are usually either born in captivity or have grown up that way and are not able to fend for themselves in the wild. Putting a wild turtle into captivity seems more cruel to most of us because they have grown up totally free and in vast surroundings.

ooh ok now i understand.

The Red eared turtle in South Africa is an exotic species and all found examples are to handed in to authourities who will then destroy them thats why i personally have no issue with getting a baby 1 for myself purely because of that reason. But I want a small 1 and not a large 1 and our shelters have mostly dogs and cats have never heard of a turtle needing a home

[DavidY]

Wow, that's too bad that they have to do that. Yes, in that case, you would be doing both the gov't and the turtle a favor by keeping a wild caught baby as a permanent pet.

[SpotsMama]

I agree with DavidY under the circumstances! RES are wonderful creatures - I dearly love mine - and once you get a good setup he/she will be your friend for life.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Welcome!!!

[Tattoo]

WUUUZZZ UP!!!